Sustainability Innovation Forum: Empowering Youth Innovation for a Greener Future
In a collaborative effort with the China Hong Kong Cultural Exchange Association under their Community Shaper Program 2025, our Sustainability Innovation Forum was a resounding success, igniting the spirit of innovation and environmental consciousness among youth.
The forum, designed to inspire and mobilize young minds to rethink and design solutions for a sustainable society in the face of current climate challenges, brought together a diverse panel of experts:
Panel I: Climate Tech Trends and Opportunities in the Greater Bay Area
- Cindy Fong, Senior Consultant, Carbon and Waste Upcycle, Green Living and Innovation Division, HKPC
- Sharon Fong, Senior Manager, Greentech, HKSTP
- Mohit Grover, Lead Partner for Climate & Sustainability Services, Deloitte China
Panel II: ESG Integration and Sustainable Finance in Hong Kong and GBA
- Cyrus Cheung, Partner, Assurance and ESG Services, PwC
- Veronique A. Lafon-Vinais, Adjunct Associate Professor, specializing in ESG and sustainability issues
- Joyce Lau, Head of Finance Practice and ESG Services, North Asia, Vistra
- Rakesh Vazirani, Director of Decarbonization, Supply Chain Sustainability, Bureau Veritas
Each panelist brought a unique lens to the discussions, offering a rich tapestry of insights on climate tech trends, ESG integration, and sustainable finance. These varied viewpoints not only broadened horizons but also instilled a sense of urgency and responsibility among the youth attendees.
The event also featured inspiring success stories from startups at HKUST:
- Food with Benefits Limited - Transforming food waste into high-fiber smoothies
- Breer - Crafting beer from surplus bread
- WePlastic - Innovating with plastic waste
- Algreen - Producing renewable and sustainable biofuels derived from algae
During this session, youth participants were immersed in a melting pot of innovation, sustainability, and fresh insights. The success stories shared by startups sparked a wave of inspiration, encouraging them to think beyond conventional boundaries and envision a greener future.
The day concluded with two interactive workshops aimed at providing hands-on knowledge:
- AI Design Thinking for ESG Innovation by InnoEdge
- Design Thinking for Rural Revitalization in Kuk Po, STEM by V'Air Sustainability Education
As the workshop, participants were encouraged to channel their creativity and newfound inspiration into actionable projects. The knowledge from these workshops laid the groundwork for future pitching sessions under the Community Shaper Program, where these innovative solutions would be further developed, refined, and presented to a wider audience.
The Sustainability Innovation Forum not only inspired the youth but also empowered them to become changemakers, driving impactful change in their communities and beyond. As they continue to nurture their ideas, collaborate with peers, and embrace sustainability at the core of their endeavors, the future looks brighter and more sustainable than ever before.
